Percy Jackson and the Dark Elites

XXXXXII

Grover

Let me show you again.

Grover was in that stupid box again. His arms hurt so much more than ever, though. His legs were pinned together and he couldn't separate them, they were bound by a rope.

This rope, by the way, was now officially cutting into his legs. Grover didn't know what was more uncomfortable; the blood running in a steady stream down his leg, the blood that was sticking his pants to his skin, or the hardened blood on the edge of the would. Just, blood everywhere.

Grover closed his eyes, but he was still staring at the dark, smelly wood. He flexed his neck muscles so that he could bang his head against the box's floor, but his head stayed still.

He was in Percy's body again. Percy just laid there, unmoving. Mostly he was wondering about what Chaos was doing to Annabeth. Was he with her? Was she alone, peacefully sleeping?

If she wasn't, how was Percy going to go on.

At that moment, Percy had a thought that had always bugged Grover.

It isn't rational, and it won't save me, but what if I told him who Ruin is?

Gods of Olympus, the more Grover thought about it, the more something seemed wrong.

Why wouldn't Chaos reward Percy for giving him up? Why wouldn't he at least brainwash him again and make him fight? Isn't that better?

And why, Grover thought. Why can't Chaos just find out who Ruin is himself? What was Percy doing to keep him out?

Grover felt like crying. He felt like screaming. But he was stuck in this stupid box.

You're not so different from Chaos, you know. Chaos is wild. Nature is wild.

Grover woke up.

It took him a moment to realize he was awake, staring at the trees wasn't so different from staring at the wooden ceiling, but once he did, he considered his next move.

Grover knew the current plan, tell Chiron everything. Even though he was just in a box, Chiron needed to know every emotion, thought, and feeling Grover experienced.

But Grover couldn't describe how strange his empathy link with Percy was becoming.

Something about Percy was completely off, but the link was stronger.

It shouldn't be stronger.

Grover packed a bag, quickly. He threw together his survival gear and some mortal money and headed for the Camp's border.

He heard a familiar tread behind him.

Annabeth stopped her sprint once she caught up with him, catching her breath.

"Annabeth, your shoulder—"

"I can't stay," Annabeth half-smiled. "I dream about him, every night. Nico keeps getting attacked because of me. Chaos can't hurt me without him."

"That's not true."

Annabeth nodded. "I know, worth a shot. Grover, Charlie Beckendorf was in the camp. He tried to kidnap me. Everyone is on edge. Something about him showing up, rattled everyone. Even more than when Percy summoned that tsunami."

"So?" Grover wondered.

"So... Chaos wants me. He wants Percy. He wants Ruin. I can't let anyone else get hurt. What if Charlie had killed someone? Frank was the only one thinking clearly. And that's because he never met him!"